SaaS (Software as a Service)
Software as a Service
A service model in which software hosted in the cloud is accessed and used over the internet
In Simple Terms
SaaS refers to software you use over the internet rather than managing it locally on your own computer. Familiar examples include Gmail, Google Docs, and Zoom. You access these services directly in a browser or through a dedicated app — all over the internet. Since your data isn't tied to a single device, you can work from anywhere, on any device.
Behind the Name
Software as a Service. The name literally means what it says — software delivered as a service. Instead of installing software on your own computer and "owning" it, you access the features you need over the internet as a "service" — and that's exactly where the name comes from.
Take a Closer Look!
SaaS is a model where the software itself is managed and run on the provider's servers, and users access its features over the internet.
In the past, you had to buy packaged software, install it on your own computer, and manage it yourself. With SaaS, you simply sign in to your account from a browser or dedicated app, and the features are ready to use right away. Because the software runs on the provider's side, users don't need to handle installation or updates on their own.
Your data is generally stored in the cloud, so you can work on a document you started at the office from your home computer, or check it on your phone — regardless of where you are or which device you're using.
One of the biggest benefits for users is that software maintenance and upkeep are handled by the provider.
In most cases, updates are rolled out on the provider's end, so there's almost no effort required to keep the software current.
If your device breaks down, you can simply log in from another device and pick up right where you left off — as long as your data is saved to the cloud. For businesses, SaaS also reduces the overhead of deployment and management, which is why so many business tools are offered in this format.